The Gathering Edinburgh 2009

25th-26th July 2009

A Homecoming Scotland Event which is expected to be the largest gathering of clans people and the largest ever Highland Games to take place in Scotland.

Where: Edinburgh’s Royal Park.

The Clans

The origins of the Scottish clans stretch back into the mists of time, beyond Culloden (1746), beyond
Flodden (1513), beyond indeed the Roman invasion of Britain almost 2000 years ago. Long before then, they evolved among Scotland’s indigenous Pictish and Celtic inhabitants, from whose ancient gaelic language comes the word clann: it means family. Today, there are over 500 clan and family associations registered around the world, who gather regularly to celebrate their Scottish heritage.

The Clan Pageant

The centrepiece of The Gathering 2009 will be the clan march. This has not been witnessed in Scotland since Sir Walter Scott’s Royal pageant of 1822. An international assembly of 8,000 clans people will parade from the Royal Palace of Holyrood, along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, to take their exclusive seats upon the esplanade of the castle rock. On Castle Rock, pipers, massed bands, and highland dancers will trace the history of the development of the clans through the ages.

The Highland Games

Hosting the World heavy athletic championships for 2009, the weekend of The Gathering will celebrate the largest ever highland games to take place in Scotland. Set in the Royal Park of Holyrood, it will showcase heavy events such as caber tossing and hammer throwing, accompanied by piping and highland dancing. There will be many contemporary musicians, top-quality ‘taste experience’ of the best of Scotland’s produce, and Scottish genealogists. It is the best time to immerse yourself in your Scottish heritage and its rich wealth of traditions.

Book you accommodation now in order to witness this once in a lifetime opportunity. BOOK ONLINE NOW.

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